Don't Forget About Pool Maintenance!
Swimming pool maintenance is easily the most important part of pool ownership
We find that a lot of homeowners who use our service for an estimate on a new pool project are either curious about about what is involved with pool ownership after the build, or haven’t given this much thought. Here’s a list of ongoing maintenance tasks and tips for all pool types of both kinds of pool buyers. Keep in mind that if you don’t want to perform these tasks, pool professionals offer all of these services.
If you are interested in us helping you find a pool service pro in your area, contact us.
Skim the surface
Regularly removing leaves, bugs, and other debris from the surface of the water, with a skimmer, helps to prevent buildup, reducing the amount of chlorine needed to keep the water clean. Skimming also helps to prevent the accumulation of organic material that can cause the growth of algae.
Vacuum the floor and walls
Regularly vacuuming, with a pool vacuum, to remove dirt and debris from the floor and walls of the pool helps to prevent the buildup of dirt and debris that make the pool look dirty and can also cause the growth of algae. Vacuuming also helps to remove any dead insects or other debris that can become trapped in the water.
Brush the walls and floor
Use a pool brush to scrub the walls and floor of the pool to prevent algae growth and remove any buildup of dirt or debris. Brushing helps to prevent the accumulation of algae and helps to keep the pool looking clean and clear. Brushing also helps to remove any debris that may have become trapped in the pool and prevent it from settling at the bottom.
Balance water chemistry
To make sure your pool water is safe for swimming, regularly test the pH and chlorine levels to maintain the proper balance. A pH level between 7.2 and 7.8 is ideal for swimming pools, and a chlorine level between 1 and 3 parts per million (ppm) is considered safe. Balancing the water chemistry helps to prevent the growth of algae and bacteria and ensures that the water is safe and comfortable for swimming.
Clean out the filter
Clean or replace the filter as needed to ensure that it is working properly and effectively filtering the water. A dirty filter can reduce the effectiveness of the pool's filtration system, causing the water to look cloudy and dirty. Cleaning or replacing the filter helps to keep the water clear and clean and prevents the growth of algae and bacteria.
Check the water level
Make sure the water level in the pool is at the appropriate height and adjust if necessary. If the water level is too low, it can damage the pump and cause it to overheat. If the water level is too high, it can cause the pool to overflow and damage the surrounding area.
Inspect the pool for leaks
Regularly inspect the pool for leaks and repair as needed to prevent water loss. Leaks can cause the water level to drop, which can damage the pool equipment, and lead to an increase in water and energy costs.
Check and maintain pool equipment
Regularly check and maintain the pool's pump, filter, heater, and other equipment to ensure that they are working properly and to extend their lifespan.
Shock the pool regularly
Shocking the pool is the process of adding a high concentration of chlorine to the water to kill bacteria and other contaminants. Shocking the pool regularly can help to keep the water clean and clear, reduce the amount of chlorine needed, and prevent the growth of algae.
Use a pool cover
Using a pool cover can help to keep the pool clean and reduce the amount of water and chemicals needed to maintain it. Pool covers also help to reduce evaporation, lower energy costs, and prevent debris and insects from entering the pool.
Store pool toys and equipment
Store pool toys and equipment in a dry, protected place when not in use to extend their lifespan (reduce fading, cracking and other damage) and prevent the growth of mold or mildew that can cause health problems.
Winterize your pool
If you live in an area where winter is consistently 65 degrees F or lower, you will want to winterize your pool. Wait until the season changes and the temperature remains at 65 degrees or below for a while. Winterizing too soon in the season or when the weather is still fluctuating to higher temperatures can create problems with algae.